Entire home

Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake

Photo gallery for Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake

Aerial view
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Miscellaneous
Terrace/patio
Smart TV, fireplace

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake

Summary:
Enjoy Northern Michigan at Mallard Duck Retreat in Houghton Lake, Michigan! Welcome, this cozy cottage is within walking distance of the largest inland lake in Michigan on a quiet street with lake-end access. The retreat is perfectly set up for guests to enjoy outdoor activities. We are calling all lake lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This home has a true cottage atmosphere. The highlight of the space is the private backyard perfect for relaxing, entertaining, libations, and stargazing.

The Space:
The Mallard Duck Retreat has 2 bedrooms and sleeper sofa (bedding and pillows in primary bedroom closet) in the main cottage AND has super sweet bunkhouse in the backyard complete with heat/AC that can sleep 5 comfortably- perfect for the kiddos.

While the home is equipped to host up to 5 adults and 5 children (bunkhouse beds), we think a perfect group size is 4-6 people in the main home. We’re happy to host all 10, but keep in mind it will be little bit cozier and will be utilizing the bunkhouse for sleeping.

There is one full bathroom (small shower/no bath) complete with all your toiletry needs and other grooming essentials. The living room has a couch with a chaise and converts into a full-size bed to sleep two extra guests. The living room is completed with 65-inch TV with Roku on a built-in fireplace for extra heat and ambiance and for those cold winter nights. The full-sized kitchen is equipped with all major appliances and a sweet coffee station.

Is that a cloud you’re sleeping on? Nope, that’s the just memory foam mattress in the primary bedroom and for the traditionalist there is a standard mattress in the second bedroom. We also have different types of pillows for different needs. Thoughtfulness and comfort were indeed placed on providing a peaceful sleep in the retreat.

The cottage is situated on two lots with a fenced-in backyard and very private. The backyard boasts two deck and sweet bunkhouse and porch. There is a gas grill available for all your BBQ needs. Check out the pictures of the unique outdoor fire pit… can we say S’mores and libations! Firewood is available in the garage.

Guest Access:
-- Double Lot – Perfect for Entertaining
-- Large Garage – lots of space for toy storage
-- Ample Parking
-- RV Parking Available with Electrical Hookup (Additional Cost)
-- Bunkhouse: Sleeps 5 –dedicated area for the children (ladder/loft/. bunkbed = fall risk) OR a secluded work space (mesh wifi) complete with MiniSplit Heating & Cooling
-- Full Kitchen
-- 2 Outdoor Decks for Entertaining
-- Close Access to Trail Head
-- Lake End Access
-- Kayaks Available for Use (2) & Bicycles
-- Smart TVs in every room (including bunkhouse) complete with Roku
-- Mesh System: High Speed Wifi 300 Mbps
-- Central Heating
-- Laundromat less than 0.5 miles away
-- Mid Term Stays Allowed – Weekly & Monthly Discounts
-- Full-Size Mirror and Makeup Mirror
-- Unique private outdoor firepit (wood available upon request)
-- Outdoor BBQ Grill
-- Seasonal AC Unit for those hot summer nights
-- Easy Keyless Self Check-In /Smart Lock
-- Spacious backyard situated on 2 lots

The Neighborhood:
Houghton Lake, Michigan, United States

The cottage is in the heart of Houghton Lake, MI with a short walk down the street to the lake with lake access. Enjoy the views of the lake from the front deck.

The cottage is on a road across the street from Camping World and you can literally walk to Bucilli’s Pizza... yum. The cottage is a short drive from Walmart with grocery store pickup and Family Fare with Door Dash.

There are also many great local spots to get a meal and beverages within walking distance.

The Mallard Duck Retreat is conveniently located less than ½ mile from the trail head perfect you ORV'ers :)

Getting Around:
There is enough parking on the long-driveway, deep garage and a second lot that can accommodate four vehicles and extra parking for an RV, travel trailer, etc.

Distances:
* Detroit: 3 hours and 15 minutes (190 miles)
* Grand Rapids: 2 hours 10 minutes (130 miles)
* Lansing: 2 hours (125 miles)
* Saginaw: 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 miles)
* Traverse City: 1 hour (60 miles)
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hour 10 minutes (100 miles)

Public Boat Launch about 7 miles away

Other Things to Note:
Sure, eating at all the great restaurants in town is fun, but sometimes we need a home cooked meal. The home comes with a full dining table and chairs. Prepare meals in a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of plate ware, pots/pans, complimentary coffee bar (tea, decaf, regular, flavorings), spice racks, microwave, toaster, kettle, and brita water pitcher (cottage has well water).

The decks have tables and seating with lounge seating to enjoy that lake air. There are additional camping chairs, beach blankets, kayaks (2), life jackets, and several outdoor games like Giant Jenga and bocci ball to enjoy. There is also a gas grill available for use.

Furthermore, we have compiled a list of things to do and places to go such as golf courses, marinas, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, beaches, restaurants and bars, and more.

Camera disclosure: For the security of our guests and maintaining the safety of our home we have two outdoor cameras that face the driveway and one facing second lot and are actively recording with the sound turned off.

If you have any questions we didn’t answer, please don’t hesitate to ask. We would be happy to provide you with any information that we can make your stay a memorable 5 star stay.

We treat our guests like friends so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you.
Kindly, Clint & Steph

Interaction with Guests:
I will be available via phone/texting throughout your stay for any needs/questions/concerns.

We treat our guests like friends, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you.

Property manager

Stephanie Mallord

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Blender

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Gas grill

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

63f7a9afcce6260037f42bcc

About the neighborhood

Map
Houghton Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Houghton Lake - 9 min walk
  • Houghton Lake Public Library - 4 min drive
  • Denton Township Park - 4 min drive
  • Pineview Highlands Golf Course - 4 min drive
  • South Higgins Lake State Park - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Back Door Saloon - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Garrett's Place - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake located?

Situated in Prudenville, this vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Houghton Lake and within 3 mi (5 km) of White Deer Country Club and Houghton Lake Public Library. Pineview Highlands Golf Course and Denton Township Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beyond Better than most!
Stephanie thought of Everything! Personal touches everywhere! Pack your clothes and go, because she has thought of everything you could possibly need and it’s already there for you! Highly recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marian F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful fall getaway
The perfect cozy place for our family to getaway in the fall and explore Houghton Lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leighann H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it!
This home had all of the necessities to house 5 adults and 3 kids ranging in age from 5-17. The bunk house was perfect for the kids! The location is great! The house was very clean as well! We really enjoyed our stay and if we need another getaway to that area, we will definitely stay here again! Also, the communication with the owners was so easy and prompt! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eva G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lake getaway
we spent my 25th birthday up in michigan and had the opportunity to stay at this beautiful listing. upon arrival we were speechless by how perfect this property was! we could tell there was many little details placed on the property to make our stay even more enjoyable! the groups favorite part was the quack shack in which we spent all night watching movies and playing games in there! the property was a short 5 min walk from the lake which made it convenient for us. overall this has been the best listing we’ve stayed at ever!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed our stay!
The Mallard Duck Retreat was comfortable (beds and all) thoughtful, (had tons of supplies and the process to check in was easy and simple) and very enjoyable. Our kids loved the extra cabin with bunk beds and a climbing ladder. What a great surprise. We enjoyed the outdoor area. I was thrilled to be offered treats in the freezer for the families arrival. Great stay for family or just a couple. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Great property and very well stocked with everything to make it a great stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
I’ve been coming to the Prudenville and west branch for years. This was the best stay I’ve had in the area. The property had everything you could need for a get away. I recommend this stay to anyone to stay in the area. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad G.

Liked: Cleanliness
What an exceptional stay!
What a delightful stay. The owners went above and beyond to ensure my stay was exceptional. We unfortunately only had a short stay. We would love to return and stay longer. The quack shack was so wonderful. It was like two places for the price of one!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Levi B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Making Memories at The Mallords
This house was better than the pictures and the hosts were incredibly warm and thorough in every sense of the word. There were so many thoughtful little extras all through the home as well. They had device chargers, little snacks and treats were waiting for us, and the kids LOVED the bunk house. The water was beautiful of course and the location is a perfect hub for a myriad of things to do. The best part about our stay was how at home and welcoming it felt. Thank you Stephanie & Clinton for hosting us, we will definitely be back again!!!
Stayed 13 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Above expectations
This place was everything it promised and more! The host was very accommodating as well. The house had every thing we needed to feel right at home. Plenty of sleeping options to accommodate my group, everyone said their beds were comfy. Many nice touches that made our stay better than expected such as, chargers in the bedrooms, bikes and games. You really get the sense that the host has put a lot of thought into making this place great for guest.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue-Ethel F.

Liked: Cleanliness
So clean!!!
This was the cleanest vacation rental I have ever stayed in. The kitchen was very well stocked. We enjoyed our stay so much, we skipped half of our event so that we could stay at the house longer. It was very cozy and welcoming. We will be back next year!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazingly well appointed
Spectacular. Had extra amenities that you don't normally find at a VRBO.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable place
Stayed at the Mallard Duck Retreat for 4 nights just to get away and relax. The place is adorable inside just like the pictures. So many little extra touches to the decor and amenities provided with the house. The backyard and fire pit were great to use each night. Very large double lot at property. Had access to use the garage, too. Steph was wonderful to work with. She was very responsive and accommodating! If the weather would’ve been nicer everything would’ve been perfect for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Cottage Retreat
We really loved the attention this detail of this cute cottage. Great place for a group of friends and/or family to rent and experience Northern Michigan.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
Really loved the place and appreciated our host, Stephanie, checking in via e-mail to make sure we were enjoying our stay. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and comfortable
The cabin was clean, comfortable and had all of the essentials! The bunkhouse is great for teens! Location was perfect. The hosts were wonderful and so helpful. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Annual family trip
This was a great property for a family. The additional bunk house in the back was such a cool addition to the experience, the kids LOVED having that little place for themselves. We found a great local beach with a park and nice swimming area. The only thing I was kind of bummed about the location was the three restaurants we tried were all not good, so we just ended up grilling for the rest of the time and it was great!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mindy B., Springfield, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable Cottage
We enjoyed our stay. We used the condo as a central location for Traverse City, Mackinaw Island and Lake Charlevoix. Stephanie is very helpful and responsive. 6 adults figured out the one bathroom schedule. Ceilings are low and it is Difficult for tall men (3 over 6’3”). Very small bedrooms and no bath fan or central ac. Firewood, towels, bedding, and handy labels and backyard are great! Please note, Houghton lake in general is quiet. There are many businesses closed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage
Very nice, clean cottage in a nice quiet neighborhood
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute place
My kids and I went to go 4 wheeling! This place was perfect for the kids! They had their own Loft so the adults had the house to themselves! Great time! Thanks again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darlena

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bed was very comfortable. The yard was great. It was very nicely decorated and the owners are great.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023